Bringing Food to the USA for Personal Use – What Is Allowed?

by Petr Novák, ? This article’s information was last verified on this date. If you notice any errors, let us know in the comments. Thank you! :-) Updated 01/15/2025 Basics, Before Departure, FAQs, Tips & Tricks

Importing certain food products into the USA is prohibited due to concerns about the spread of diseases. You must declare meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, and other food items on the customs declaration form completed on the plane. Failure to do so, and possession of prohibited items found during random inspections, may result in a fine of up to $10,000. So, which food items are allowed for import into the USA?

The rules outlined on this page apply to all travelers entering the USA. Food items are inspected in both checked and carry-on luggage. Food sent to the USA by mail is subject to the same regulations.

1. Table of Contents

   1. Prohibited Food Items When Traveling to the USA
   2. Permitted Food Items When Traveling to the USA

   Prohibited Food Items When Traveling to the USA

   ❌ Alcoholic Beverages

   Individuals under the age of 21 are not permitted to bring alcohol into the USA, even as a gift.

   All travelers, regardless of age, are prohibited from importing absinthe containing the chemical thujone. Absinthe is considered thujone-free if it contains less than 10 mg of thujone per liter. Product labels must not suggest hallucinogenic, psychotropic, or mind-altering effects. Bottles violating these rules will be confiscated.

   ❌ Meat and Meat Products

   Salami, ham, sausages, cured meats, schnitzels, and other meat products, including canned meat, are not allowed into the USA. This includes fresh, frozen, dried, smoked, and thermally processed meat.

   ❌ Milk and Dairy Products

   Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and other dairy products are prohibited from import into the USA. Exceptions include liquid and powdered milk intended for infant consumption. Butter, powdered milk, and dairy products that do not require refrigeration are allowed.

   ❌ Fruits and Vegetables

   Most fruits and vegetables cannot be imported into the USA. Fresh, frozen, dried, or home-preserved fruits and vegetables are prohibited. Industrially processed fruits and vegetables are allowed if they are heat-treated and hermetically sealed. Dry goods such as beans, dates, figs, raisins, nuts, and peas are permitted.

   ❌ Eggs

   The import of raw eggs and foods containing raw eggs is prohibited. Industrially manufactured foods containing cooked eggs are allowed.

2. Permitted Food Items When Traveling to the USA

   ✅ Alcohol

   Individuals over 21 years old may bring 1 liter of alcohol into the USA duty-free. Importing larger quantities is not prohibited but may be subject to customs duties.

   ✅ Cigarettes, Cigars, and Tobacco

   Up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 2 kilograms of tobacco may be brought into the USA duty-free.

   ✅ Tea

   Both bagged and loose-leaf tea can be imported into the USA without restrictions. Herbal teas may be inspected, and import is allowed if they do not contain plants listed on the USDA’s prohibited substances list. For this purpose, it is helpful if the packaging includes the scientific names of the ingredients.

   ✅ Mushrooms

   Fresh, dried, and otherwise processed mushrooms may be imported into the USA. The only condition is that they must be cleaned and free of soil residue.

   ✅ Coffee

   There are no restrictions on importing coffee beans or instant coffee into the USA. Any quantity may be brought in.

   ✅ Spices

   Most spices, including cumin and baking powder, can be imported without restrictions. The import of orange, lemon, and lime leaves and seeds is prohibited. Based on experience, poppy seeds are likely to be confiscated.

   ✅ Honey

   Honey for personal use may be imported without restrictions.

   ✅ Dairy Products

   Milk intended for infant consumption, whether liquid or powdered, is permitted in amounts sufficient for several days’ use. Butter, powdered milk, and dairy products that do not require refrigeration are also allowed.

   ✅ Flour, Rice, and Pasta

   Flour, including wheat, rice, oat, or corn flour, is allowed. White, brown, and basmati rice may be imported as long as it is husk-free. Pasta is allowed if it does not contain fresh eggs.

   ✅ Non-Alcoholic Beverages

   Soft drinks, mineral water, and other non-alcoholic beverages may be imported without restrictions. Juices and powdered drinks should be transported in their original packaging with listed ingredients. If deemed suspicious, customs officers may confiscate the product.

   ✅ Nuts

   Nuts that have been boiled, baked, ground, oven-dried, pureed, steamed, or otherwise heat-processed are allowed. Food items containing nuts can be imported unless they violate other regulations.

   ✅ Bakery Products

   Bread, pastry, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods may be imported without restrictions.

   ✅ Fish and Seafood

   Fish, shrimp, and other seafood may be imported for personal use. They can be fresh, smoked, frozen, cooked, dried, or canned. Caviar from endangered species under the CITES Convention may be imported in quantities up to 125 grams per person; amounts exceeding this limit will be confiscated. The import of protected seafood species under CITES and US federal laws is prohibited.

   ✅ Sweets, Chocolates, and Snacks

   All types of sweets (cookies, chocolates, bars, cereals) and snacks (chips, crackers) are allowed as long as they do not contain prohibited ingredients such as meat, fresh eggs, or dairy requiring refrigeration.

   ✅ Cooking and Baking Ingredients

   Oils, including olive, canola, and sunflower oil, as well as mustard, ketchup, and other condiments, can be imported. Dry baking mixes are allowed if they do not contain meat, fresh eggs, or other prohibited ingredients.

   ✅ Cheeses

   Hard cheeses such as Parmesan, Edam, or Cheddar can be imported if made from pasteurized milk.

   Soft cheeses such as Camembert, Brie, Feta, Mozzarella, Ricotta, or cream cheese in brine cannot be imported unless they are made from pasteurized milk and are brine-free.

This article covers the majority of food items most frequently brought into the USA by tourists. A complete list of regulations for importing food into the USA can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.